March 3, 2023 - News from the Boardroom, 2023-2024 School Year Calendars, and more
Hello Students,
There is just one week left until March Break! Whatever your plans are, we hope you’ll be able to enjoy some restful time away from school. Please remember that if you are finding this time of year to be stressful, you are not alone. Talking about your concerns can help, and there are many local groups available to help. Visit our website to learn more.
News from the Boardroom
Every month at our Board of Trustees meeting, OCDSB trustees discuss key items and hold final votes on decisions that impact the school district. Visit our website to learn more about the key highlights from the Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 28th, including the approval of the facilities renewal program and school condition improvement project budget, and the approval of the draft school year calendars for 2023-2024.
2023-2024 School Year Calendars (Subject to Ministry Approval)
On Tuesday, February 28th the Board of Trustees approved draft elementary and secondary calendars for the 2023-2024 school year. Please note, these calendars are subject to Ministry Approval. Visit our website to see the key dates.
Nominations Open - 2022-2023 Community Recognition Awards!
Volunteers play an important role in education today - their life experiences, knowledge, and expertise can have a tremendous impact in the classroom and beyond. Each year, the OCDSB recognizes the valuable contributions of our community members, parents, and businesses through the OCDSB Community Recognition Awards. The 6 award categories include the Community Award, Community Partnership Award, Excellence in Equity Community Award, Distinguished School Council Service Award, Volunteer of the Year Award,and Chair’s Award. Do you know someone who is making a difference in a volunteer role? Nominate them today! Learn more about the award categories and submit a nomination here.
Celebrating the Work of our Sankofa Students
Throughout the month of February, students in Woodroffe High School and Ridgemont High School’s Sankofa programs, along with those participating in the Black Youth Forum, shared their voices at school and in the wider Ottawa community. Speaking from their experience as Black youth in Ottawa, they took part in panel discussions, gave interviews, and hosted assemblies to celebrate the richness of black heritage and highlight the issues they face in relation to equity in education. The Sankofa Centre aims to provide African, Black, and Caribbean students with culturally responsive support, with a goal of improved confidence, achievement in school, and engagement in their communities, and we are grateful for the work and learning these students have shared with us over the past month!
Ottawa Public Health’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) updates their Respiratory Virus Dashboard every Wednesday. OPH continues to recommend layers of protection like masks, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, flu vaccines, and staying home when sick.
Upcoming Events
- Saturday, March 25: Supporting Black Student Success - Parent Advocacy Conference. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us at Brookfield High School from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to learn strategies for supporting and advocating for students’ success, and to network with community partners and other parents and caregivers. Register Now.
- Wednesday, March 29: Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Youth. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join us from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for a webinar that will answer questions and share strategies on how to support trans and gender diverse children and youth. Register here.
- Monday, April 17 and Tuesday, April 18: Pop Up Prom Shop. If you are in need of a prom dress and may not be able to afford one, registration is now open for The Fairy Godmother pop-up prom dress boutique. Appointments will take place on Monday, April 17 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 18 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the OCDSB’s Confederation Education Centre. Book your appointment today.
Important Dates in the Week Ahead
- March 6: Black Mental Health Day. Black Mental Health Day is an opportunity to confront the impacts of anti-Black racism on the physical and mental health of Black Canadians.
- March 6-7: Purim. Purim celebrates the saving of the Jewish people from erasure by an oppressive ruler, as related in the Book of Esther. Chag Purim sameach to all in our community who are celebrating!
- March 6: Magha Puja Day. Magha Puja Day honors the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (his enlightenment), the Sangha (the community of Buddhists around the world) and the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha). We send our best wishes to all who are celebrating.
- March 6-10: Social Work Week. Please join us in recognizing the social workers who provide important mental health supports to our OCDSB community. We are grateful for everything they do in support of students and families.
- March 7: Holi. Holi is a religious spring festival often celebrated by joyfully throwing colourful powder and water at one another, and is observed by many Sikh, Hindu, and other communities. Wishing happiness and prosperity to all who are celebrating.
- March 8: International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and highlights where action is still needed in order for us to work together to build a more equitable future.
Thank you,
Michele Giroux
Director of Education